News Navigation
News Navigation
News Navigation
Elevator construction is facing profound structural changes. Although it is difficult to identify a clearly defined key theme at present, two developments are having a particularly significant impact on the industry: the ongoing digitalisation of technical processes and a growing focus on sustainable solutions.
Both topics have been accompanying lift construction for years, but are becoming noticeably more important in view of increasing regulatory requirements, growing operating costs and changing expectations of operators and users. This assessment is also shared by Achim Hütter, Chairman of the Board of VFA-Interlift e.V., who assesses the current situation in the industry in an interview. He says that the central motive is not so much a single buzzword as the need to further develop existing structures. Digitalisation is often perceived as a hackneyed term, but in lift construction it is still associated with considerable catching up to do.
The development of past trade fair years illustrates this dynamic. The event in autumn 2019 marked a high point with high international participation and almost full capacity utilisation of the venue. This was followed shortly afterwards by pandemic-related cutbacks, which also affected lift construction. The postponed trade fair in spring only reached about 60 per cent of its previous level, reflecting the general uncertainty of this phase. At the same time, a cautious spirit of optimism was already evident at that time. According to Achim Hütter, it was clear that exhibitors and visitors were still interested in personal exchange despite the difficult conditions. In the meantime, trade fair activity is approaching the results of 2019 again. The industry is moving steadily towards recovery, even if individual factors continue to have a dampening effect.
The concrete implementation of digital technologies is currently the focus of many discussions. The emphasis is less on visions and more on applicable solutions for everyday use. Control systems, maintenance processes and the evaluation of operating data are increasingly coming into focus. Many lift systems are technically reliable, but provide little usable information about their actual condition. This is where digital systems come in. They collect operating data, make it accessible and enable informed decisions to be made in service and maintenance. IoT-based applications allow continuous monitoring of relevant parameters and form the basis for condition-based maintenance. The aim is to plan service calls in a more targeted manner, avoid unnecessary trips and reduce downtime. Digitalisation thus becomes a tool that influences both efficiency and operational safety.
Parallel to digitalisation, the issue of sustainability is continuing to gain importance. For a long time, the complete replacement of old lift systems was considered the obvious solution, especially in the case of comprehensive renovations. This approach is increasingly being questioned. The dismantling of functioning components requires a high consumption of materials and energy, especially in the case of steel and other valuable raw materials. In the interview, Achim Hütter points out that thinking in the industry has changed noticeably. Instead of replacing entire systems, concepts that focus on targeted modernisation are coming to the fore. Existing components are retained, supplemented or technically upgraded. This approach follows the principles of the circular economy and helps to conserve resources and reduce emissions.
Another aspect concerns the increasing complexity of technical systems. The market is characterised by different drive technologies, control concepts and safety solutions. The aim of many developments is to make this diversity more manageable. Uniform interfaces, compatible systems and modular concepts are intended to simplify planning, operation and maintenance. Energy-related issues also play a role in this context. Modern systems enable energy to be used more efficiently and, in some cases, fed back into the grid. Such functions make energy flows visible and measurable, which is becoming increasingly important for both operators and planners. Sustainability is thus becoming not only an ecological factor, but also an economic one.
The further development of maintenance strategies is closely linked to digitalisation. Traditional maintenance intervals reach their limits when systems are used to varying degrees or external influences play a role. Condition-based concepts make it possible to tailor maintenance more precisely to actual needs. Typical effects of such approaches are:
The spatial development of the trade fair is also part of this change. The current site is increasingly reaching its capacity limits. According to Achim Hütter, the move to a larger location is a logical step to enable further growth. The new venue offers better opportunities for structure, tours and future expansion. The highly international nature of the event also underlines the global relevance of the topics. Exhibitors and visitors from over 40 countries take part, with a strong presence from Asia and North and South America. Following the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions, international exchange has intensified noticeably.
Elevator construction is a prime example of an industry that is gradually realigning itself. Digitalisation and sustainability are not short-term trends, but tools for making existing structures fit for the future. The interview with Achim Hütter makes it clear that it is less about radical upheaval and more about the ability to intelligently develop what has been tried and tested. The key is to combine technical innovation with pragmatic modernisation and to understand change as a continuous process.
Trade fair reporting Germany - Trade fair knowledge, dates & events
